Thursday, December 8, 2011

Sonoma, Beer County


Many folks may consider Sonoma County as just wine country, but that just is not true. Sonoma county is also home to some amazing micro-breweries!

Here in Healdsburg, we have the Bear Republic Brewing Company, home of the Racer 5 IPA, and an award winner at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival.

Santa Rosa is home to 3rd Street Aleworks and Russian River Brewing Company. Russian River is already infamous to the beer snob for their Pliny the Elder double IPA, and it’s harder to find Pliny the Younger (which will be released on February 3, 2012 and available for 14 days on draft at the brewery only, so mark your calendars!). They are also home to some very tasty pizzas, calzones and beer bites (pizza dough with various toppings). Don’t forget though, this is still Wine Country, and you can find Seghesio Zin and La Crema Pinot at Russian River as well!

3rd Street Alworks offers an array of locally named beers, from Annadel Pale Ale to Bodega Head IPA and Goat Rock Dopplebock, as well as pool tables and lots of TVs for your game viewing pleasure.

One of my favorites for atmosphere is Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. A long drive from Healdsburg, but a great stop on your way into the area. They have a fun, casual beer garden and feature a local band every evening. Here, try their most well known IPA, or for something a little different go for A little sumpin’ sumpin ale, or the hairy eyeball for something a little darker!

So, next time you’re wine tasting in Sonoma, don’t forget to take a break from all that wine sipping, and grab a beer!